Bakkestranda bathing place

About

The idyllic Bakkestranda swimming area is conveniently located on the north side of Hjellevannet, close to Skien town centre, about a 5-minute walk away. On warm summer days, this is a popular swimming spot for all ages. You can safely bring the family here, as there are plenty of activities for children to enjoy.

Beach and Recreational Area in Skien

Bakkestranda offers a lovely recreational area featuring a large lawn and a sandy beach. If you wish to barbecue, there are great grilling and picnic opportunities. The area includes both toilets and a universally designed playground.

Accessibility and Water Activities

Universally Designed Swimming Cage

A universally designed swimming cage is now available at Bakkestranda in Skien. This facility allows people who use wheelchairs to safely access the water.

The swimming cage consists of a graveled access path leading to a ramp. From the ramp, users can easily enter the water and the cage. The ramp has guardrails on both sides for added safety. The water level inside the cage is constant at 90 cm (3 feet). A gate leads from the cage out into Hjellevannet.

Canoe and Kayak Launch

A new universally designed canoe and kayak launch was opened at Bakkestranda in 2021. This dedicated slip area gives everyone who wishes to, the opportunity to put in or take out canoes and kayaks.

A loading and unloading zone is located along Strandgata. This zone allows you to stop briefly to load or unload equipment, which you can then carry down to the pier for water activities. Note: This zone is only intended for short-term parking. The car must be parked elsewhere while you are out, for example, in the main parking lot on Oscars gate.

Sports, Play and Fun

• "Vingen" (The Wing) Activity Sculpture & Playground: Let the children explore the 13-meter-long activity sculpture "Vingen", which was completed in 2025. Made from Accoya (treated pine) slats, the sculpture was designed by the company MoveART. Right next to it, you will also find a playground offering plenty of fun for the kids.
• Universally Designed Playground: A safe and fun play area for the youngest children.
• Volleyball Net: Play beach volleyball on the sand.
• Table Tennis: An outdoor table for a fun match.

Art at Bakkestranda

Bakkestranda offers wonderful art experiences that connect to the city's great playwright:

"Vingen" (Built in 2025): The name of the 13-meter-long activity sculpture references Henrik Ibsen's The Wild Duck (Villanden), fitting perfectly into the Ibsen city of Skien.

The Rat Wife ("Rottejomfruen"): At Bakkestranda, you will also find the impressive, 7-meter-tall sculpture "Rottejomfruen". The sculpture is inspired by Henrik Ibsen's literary work, specifically his play Little Eyolf. Look closely—the 2,349 eyes on the sculpture were created by school children from the city of Skien.

Parking and Directions

For those arriving by car, the main Bakkestranda parking lot is located on Oscars gate, next to the yellow and blue apartment buildings. Access is via the location of the former Mobile shop. There are also 3 accessible parking spaces (HC-parking) available near the toilet facility.